PRESENTATION OF ABDOMINAL HYDATID DISEASE IN A KASHMIRI TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Hydatid disease, commonly known as cystic echinococcosis (CE), is a parasitic infestation caused by the atworm Echinococcus granulosus. Abdominal pain is the most common symptom in hepatic hydatidosis, followed by a palpable mass and jaundice. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical presentation of abdominal hydatidosis in adults > 18 years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in Government Medical College Srinagar over a period of two years. This study included 30 patients after meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: In our study, the most popular age group involved in this disease was 21-30 years (50%). The mean age in our study was 31.1±12.38 with range of 18-75years. . Most of our patients were women aged 18 years (60%) with a male to female ratio of 1:1.5. In our study, a correlation with dogs or cattle was observed in 6 cases (20%). In our study, the majority of patients presented with abdominal pain (80%). The majority of patients had no prodormal symptoms (53.3%). The most commonly affected organ in our study was the liver (93.3%), with the right lobe of the liver being affected in 71.4% (20) of cases. In our study, a single cyst was found in 25 cases (83.3%). All patients were treated surgically and did well with no major complications. CONCLUSION: Hydatid disease can occur in any age group. The liver is the most commonly affected organ, with abdominal pain being the most common complaint